Removing a 5" lift from a truck

[sbr]

Hi all.
Ive been offered a cheap dodge ram 4x4. It's got a 5" lift which im not really interested in. Would it be an easy remove or to much hassle?
Any advise is welcome

[MikePA]

Depends how they did it which is a function of the kind of original suspension on the truck. Lifting a truck can range from simple blocks on a leaf spring suspension to completely new suspension parts, e.g., new spindles, on an IFS truck, including brackets to lower the transfer case and front differential, etc., which would be pricey to replace. Lifted trucks usually means larger than stock tires which could have also resulted in lower gears being installed in the differentials, another expense to replace.

[RobertN]

That could really be a can of worms. Mike pointed out some details.

I would worry that this "cheap" pickup could turn expensive, just because if you remove the lift, then you gotta replace it with something. That may be stock parts, or maybe a shorter lift.

Even if you just consider an older basic leaf spring lift, you would need at minimum replacement leaf springs, shorter shocks, shorter rear blocks, remove tha tranny and skid pan lowering blocks, shorter or stock pitman arm...

I would start by looking at what a 5" lift kit would cost for the truck. And figure it will cost at least as much to lower it. Unless, the guy saved the old parts.

I'm thumbing thru a 4-Wheel Parts catalog; for 2000 and up Dodges, 5-6" lifts seem to be in the $1400-1700 range. Guesstimating, even for junkyard parts, you're looking at a similar price to round up stock parts.

[MikePA]

A "5 inch lift" could also mean a body lift in addition to, or instead of, a suspension lift. RobertN's analogy that it'd probably cost as much to remove it as it did to install it is a good one. All things considered, assuming it was installed correctly and safely, e.g., they didn't use leaf spring blocks in the front suspension to lift it, a 5" lift isn't all that high.

[alchemysa]

If the lifted truck has wider or taller tyres you may have insufficient clearance once the truck is dropped. Check the tyre clearance at full lock. Get someone to try and rock the car up and down while watching the clearance. If the clearance is tight then you need to test more severely. When you test drive it put it in full lock and drive over some rolling ground that creates some suspension travel. If you hear any uncomfortable scraping noises then you sure are not going to be able to drop it with out new wheels.

[timswi]

If the lifted truck has wider or taller tyres you may have insufficient clearance once the truck is dropped. Check the tyre clearance at full lock. Get someone to try and rock the car up and down while watching the clearance. If the clearance is tight then you need to test more severely. When you test drive it put it in full lock and drive over some rolling ground that creates some suspension travel. If you hear any uncomfortable scraping noises then you sure are not going to be able to drop it with out new wheels.

If it has an independant front suspension and they don't have the OEM parts, thuis may cost you. Usually the rear is blocks andf longer shocks.

The front contains a slew of parts, even if it's an older leaf spring model. Those generally came with differne t springs.